Breast reduction is a procedure that removes excess fat and glandular tissue from the breasts in order to reach a size that is proportionate to other parts of the body. Also known as a reduction mammoplasty, breast reduction is equally useful for those who experience discomfort from overly large breasts. The weight of excess breast tissue can not only lead to physical issues, such as back problems and neck pain, but also emotional problems related to self-image and confidence.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR BREAST REDUCTION?
If your breasts are overly large or overdeveloped to the point that they limit your physical activity, cause chronic pain, or are detrimental to your emotional wellbeing, you may be a candidate for breast reduction surgery.
The ideal candidates are in physically good health, non-smokers, and do not have any medical conditions that may affect the healing process. If you are uncertain whether or not breast reduction surgery is a viable option for you, schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon that is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR CONSULTATION
When you schedule a consultation with the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, a board-certified plastic surgeon will meet with you to discuss your aesthetic goals. You and your surgeon will review your medical history to see if you are a good candidate for a breast reduction. Be prepared to discuss any medications you are on, past surgeries, results of mammograms, and if your family history involves a risk of breast cancer.
Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your overall health and take measurements of your upper body to ascertain the size, shape, and skin quality of your breasts. Photographs are usually taken at this stage so that your plastic surgeon can perform a full evaluation and work with you to determine the best course of treatment to reach your ideal aesthetic goals.
Your plastic surgeon will recommend a course of treatment that is best for you and, if possible, present you with options. If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, including recovery or potential risks, they should be discussed during the consultation.
HOW BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY IS PERFORMED
Breast reduction surgery is performed by removing excess fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts through surgical incisions. To begin, a general anesthetic is administered; then, the plastic surgeon makes incisions based on the desired results of the procedure. Typically, the incision sites are around the areola and include a vertical and/or horizontal incision at the fold underneath the breast (inframammary fold).
After the incisions are made, the underlying breast tissue is reduced, lifted, and shaped. The nipple and areola may need to be repositioned to a higher place on the breast for improved symmetry. In some cases, excess fat is removed by liposuction. Loose or excess skin may be removed to accommodate the now smaller breasts.
Sutures are layered within the breast tissue to help support the newly shaped breasts, and then the skin incisions are closed. The results of breast reduction will be apparent immediately following the procedure.
RECOVERY AFTER BREAST REDUCTION
Swelling and bruising of the breasts and incision sites are normal in the weeks following the procedure. A drain may be placed at the incision sites after surgery to remove any excess fluid. Usually an elastic bandage or surgical bra is necessary to maintain support while the breasts heal.
Your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication and issue post-surgical care instructions to ensure a safe recovery. You should avoid any rigorous exercise or exertion until your doctor clears you to return to your normal level of activity.
POTENTIAL RISKS OF BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY
Though the risks associated with breast reduction surgery are infrequent, any surgical procedure comes with potential complications. The risks associated with breast reduction may include:
- Infection
- Hematoma (blood clot)
- Changes in breast or nipple sensation
- Unfavorable scarring
- Breast asymmetry
The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago takes every measure to minimize risk by using only the safest, most innovative techniques in aesthetic breast surgery. You can also reduce potential complications by carefully following all instructions from your plastic surgeon, both before and after the procedure.
WHAT DOES BREAST REDUCTION COST?
The average cost of breast reduction surgery in the United States is around $5,600, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The cost will vary, however, based on a number of factors, including but not limited to your geographic location, the plastic surgeon performing the procedure, and the extent of the necessary corrections.
Some health insurance providers will not cover the expense of breast reduction surgery. Be sure to speak with your plastic surgeon about all associated costs and payment options during your consultation.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
If you believe that you are a candidate for a breast reduction, contact us at the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago to schedule a consultation. A board-certified plastic surgeon will talk with you about your aesthetic goals and discuss all treatment options available. We are as committed to patient education as we are to excellent patient care, and will be happy to answer any and all questions you may have about breast reduction surgery.
All surgical procedures by the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago are performed at top hospitals in Chicago and CMS or AAAASF-certified surgical centers for safety.
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM
Midterm follow-up on this lovely #rhinoplasty patient who wanted nasal surgery to improve her nasal breathing but also to improve the aesthetics of the nose. Fixing the crooked nose is a challenge in rhinoplasty and on the bird’s eye view, you can visualize improvement in the dorsal aesthetic lines. Dorsal aesthetic lines are two curvilinear light reflex lines that travel from the inner eyebrow to the tip of the nose on frontal view. On profile view you can see a nice profile with the dorsal hump removed. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #rhinoplasty #hybridrhinoplasty #septoplasty #crookednose #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Honored to lead the Midwestern Association of Plastic Surgeons (MAPS) as president for 2021-2022 with this group of esteemed colleagues on the board with me. MAPS is a plastic surgery society that was founded in 1961 to foster the development of plastic surgery in the Midwest region and involves plastic surgeons and plastic surgery programs from the states of Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. We are currently planning our annual meeting which will take place in Chicago on May 20-21st. The meeting will have renowned plastic surgeons from all over the United States to share ideas and to advance our specialty forward.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #MAPS #cosmeticsurgery #craniofacialsurgery #microsurgery #aestheticsurgery #handsurgery #pediatricsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery #burnsurgeryspecialist
Happy for this mother of 2 who wanted to improve the contour and aesthetics of her abdomen and waist with an #abdominoplasty or #tummy tuck. After children, women can experience rectus diastasis or separation of the abdominal muscles as the uterus expands. During a tummy tuck, plastic surgeons will address this separation by stitching the muscles back together. In the post-operative photos you can visualize the muscles re-positioned more centrally. Additionally, we will perform liposuction, remove excess abdominal skin and re-set the belly button. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #tummytuck #abdominoplasty #rectusdiastasis #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Asian upper blepharoplasty or “double eyelid surgery” is a variation of an upper eyelid lift or upper blepharoplasty procedure where the upper eyelid crease is raised and more defined. Additionally, the epicanthal fold or skin that covers the inner corner of the eye can be removed depending on the patient’s goals. The goal of this surgery is not to necessarily create an occidental appearing eye but to maintain the patient’s features and create the appearance that the eye is larger and more refreshed. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #blepharoplasty #eyelidlift #asianblepharoplasty #doubleeyelidsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
It’s amazing how a small surgery can have a large impact on a person’s facial proportions. This patient underwent a #genioplasty or chin augmentation and #neckliposuction to improve the aesthetics and balance of the lower 1/3 of the face. In the post-operative photos, the patient’s face appears less round, more angular, and the lower 1/3 more proportional with the middle and upper 1/3 of the face. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #genioplasty #chinaugmentation #neckliposuction #craniofacialsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Six month follow-up on a natural #otoplasty procedure or #earpinning procedure. Plastic surgeons board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have pioneered the techniques used today for ear pinning surgery. The surgery entails improving the definition of the ears and setting the ears closer to the scalp. The patient reports feeling more confident in the size, shape, and symmetry of his ears in social and work settings. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #otoplasty #earpinning #prominentears #ears #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery #cosmeticsurgery
6 month follow up on a #malerhinoplasty patient who wanted his dorsal hump removed, the nose straighter, and the tip less bulbous. The patient underwent a #primaryrhinoplasty where the dorsal hump was removed, the entire nose was straightened, and the tip refined. Pay close attention to the tip of the nose, in male rhinoplasty we try to avoid over rotating the nose or making the tip “upturned”. This maneuver feminizes the nose. Posted with permission.
#rhinoplasty #malerhinoplasty #plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
This patient is 3 months from a breast augmentation with gel implants. The patient’s goals were to go from an A cup to a D cup but to still look natural. In the post-operative photos you can see that the patient has improved volume, more projection, and a natural result that fits her frame. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #breastaugmentation #gelimplants #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Happy for this patient who wanted to look and feel more rested and youthful. The patient underwent a lower facelift and neck lift to improve the aesthetics of the lower 1/3 of the face and neck. In the post-operative photos you can see improvement in the jowls, the contour of the jawline, and the neck. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #facelift #necklift #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Just a little hi def liposuction and abdominal etching before sweater weather.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #liposuction #liposculpture #cosmeticsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Happy for this patient who wanted to look less tired, more youthful, and natural. The patient underwent an upper and lower #blepharoplasty or #eyelid lift. In the post-operative photos, you can see improvement in the “bags” under the eyes, the deep crease between the eyelids and cheek, and loose skin. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgeon #plasticsurgery #cosmeticsurgery #blepharoplasty #eyelidlift #botox #fillers #fattransfer #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Proud of our research team for getting 4 abstracts accepted for podium presentations at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 90th annual meeting. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is one of the oldest and largest plastic surgery societies in the US and internationally. The membership requirements are strict, requiring each member to have completed a plastic surgery residency or fellowship and be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #ASPS #craniofacialsurgery #cosmeticsurgery #PSTM21 #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Challenging #rhinoplasty in a thick-skinned patient with a lot of things to address. The patient wanted a reduction in the dorsal hump, a straighter nose, and a smaller nose over all. The patient underwent a dorsal hump reduction, the nose was medialized, and the tip de-projected or pulled closer to the face and refined. Still her nose that fits her ethnicity but more balanced and refined. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #rhinoplasty #nosejob #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
This mother of 2 wanted a #mommymakeover to get her pre-baby body back plus more. The patient underwent a #BBL and breast augmentation. In the post-operative photos you can see the snatched waist, the abdominal etching, and improved contour of the hips and buttock. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #BBL #breastaugmentation #gummybear #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Happy for this mother of 3 who wanted improvement in the size, shape, and symmetry of her breasts. The patient underwent a breast augmentation with 400 cc gel implants. In the post-operative photos you can see restoration of volume and improved shape and symmetry. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #breastaugmentation #breastimplants #gummybear #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Neck liposuction or neck lift? This patient underwent neck liposuction and liposculpture of the jawline. In the correct patient, less invasive procedures can be very effective in achieving great results. Happy for this patient and his new look. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #neckliposuction #necklift #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
My fellow Chicago Booth alumni will appreciate this post. It was a great night for the Illinois Society of Plastic Surgeons where we had Professor Jean-Pierre Dube speak about “The Chicago Booth Approach to Pricing”. Dr. Dube is the James M. Kilts Distinguished Service Professor of Marketing at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and he is the director of the Kilts Center for Marketing. Dr. Dube discussed strategies on how to use marketing models and analytics to price medical services and medical products.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #chicagobooth #chicago #kiltscenterformarketing #pricing #marketing #mba #chicago
I don’t usually post rhinoplasty results this early but she was looking so good so early that I had to share. This patient with thick skin is 6 weeks out from a primary ethnic rhinoplasty but already showing a positive impact from the surgery despite the long road to recovery. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #rhinoplasty #nosejob #ethnicrhinoplasty #cosmeticsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Not getting the gym gains you want? Your plastic surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery can help. This patient underwent hi-def liposculpting and abdominal etching to improve the contour and aesthetics of his abdomen and waist. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #maleplasticsurgery #liposuction #hidefliposuction #liposculpture #abdominaletching #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
This is a great case to highlight the importance of evaluating the chin with the nose in all rhinoplasty cases. Look at the video and focus on the nose, watch it a second time and focus on the chin, and then watch it a third time and focus on the nose and chin or the whole face. For the rhinoplasty, most of the work was focused on the nasal tip. For the chin, a reduction genioplasty was performed to narrow, lower, and set the chin back. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #nosejob #rhinoplasty #genioplasty #chinaugmentation #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
BEST CARE TEAM
